D-DAY HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR SHARES TALES FROM THE “GREATEST GENERATION” AT JOPPA LIBRARY

Local author and D-Day historian Joe Balkoski captivated the audience at the Joppa Library during a discussion of his books on May 8.

(Belcamp, Maryland – May 12, 2014) With over 40 in attendance, local author and historian Joe Balkoski shared stories at the Joppa Library on May 8, bringing to life tales of WWII from the “Greatest Generation” and detailing his journey of researching and writing several books on D-Day.

Named “the top living D-Day Historian” by USA Today, Balkoski has extensively studied the American experience of the invasion at Normandy and forged close friendships with many soldiers and veterans of the renowned 29th Infantry Division. Balkoski served for many years as Historian for the Maryland National Guard and the U.S. Army’s 29th Infantry Division stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He is the author of seven widely acclaimed books on D-Day and currently serves as the director of the Maryland Museum of Military History in Baltimore, managing its displays and vast collection of archival records from World War II. He also has served as adjunct professor in both the History and Writing Departments at the University of Baltimore.

To further commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, author Wil Hylton will speak at the Bel Air Library on June 4 at 6:30 pm about his latest book, Vanished: The Sixty-Year Search for the Missing Men of World War II. This powerful story has been described by Newsweek as “not only a story of war and loss but also a gripping and moving tale of America’s relationship with the fallen soldier.” Registration is suggested and can be made by calling (410) 638-3151.

Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves 182,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of over 4.1 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.